A new Personal Support Worker (PSW) training program at the Near North District School Board continues to expand.
The board is partnering with West Nipissing General Hospital and Algonquin Nursing Home in Mattawa to provide living classrooms in order to train PSWs.
These are the third and fourth Memorandum of Understandings created in the past two weeks.
Students will learn theory in an on-site classroom, then apply those skills in either the hospital or long-term care home.
Student costs with the program will be subsidized and tuition is covered by the school board.
The hands-on learning opportunity is available for those 18 years and older and students who do not yet have their Grade 12 are eligible to apply.
Potential students in the program will be able to earn six credits towards their O.S.S.D.
“We’re excited to offer this training, which is accredited through the Personal Support Worker Professional Association,” says NNDSB’s Director of Education Craig Myles. “NNDSB will be training PSWs who will be ready to begin work upon completion of the course.”
The PSW program is a collaborative effort of the board, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and community organizations.
Two other partnerships involve Cassellholme in North Bay and a long-term care home in Parry Sound.
“This is an opportunity for us to grow our own PSWs, which usually leads to recruitment and improved retention when they are from the community,” says Cynthia Dèsormiers, President and Chief Executive Officer of WNGH. ““There is a critical shortage of Health Human Resources (HHR) throughout Ontario and in our community as well. This is a program that allows us to think outside the box while fulfilling a need at WNGH and in our community.”
An online information session (link on the NNDSB website) takes place Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6 pm.